If Numbers Can Speak, Who Listens? Creating Engagement and Learning for Effective Uptake of DRR Investment in Developing Countries

Mochizuki, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1000-4251, Keating, A., Mechler, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2239-1578, Egan, C., & Hochrainer-Stigler, S. (2016). If Numbers Can Speak, Who Listens? Creating Engagement and Learning for Effective Uptake of DRR Investment in Developing Countries. PLOS Currents Disasters 8 10.1371/currents.dis.ab5922892b54a68f7315e967f6dd3406.

[thumbnail of If Numbers can Speak.pdf]
Preview
Text
If Numbers can Speak.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (86kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: With a renewed emphasis on evidence-based risk sensitive investment promoted under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, technical demands for analytical tools such as probabilistic cost-benefit analysis (CBA) will likely increase in the foreseeable future. This begs a number of pragmatic questions such as whether or not sophisticated quantitative appraisal tools are effective in raising policy awareness and what alternatives are available.

Method: This article briefly reviews current practices of analytical tools such as probabilistic cost-benefit analysis and identifies issues associated with its applications in small scale community based DRR interventions.

Results: The article illustrate that while best scientific knowledge should inform policy and practice in principle, it should not create an unrealistic expectation that the state-of-the art methods must be used in all cases, especially for small scale DRR interventions in developing countries, where data and resource limitations and uncertainty are high, and complex interaction and feedback may exist between DRR investment, community response and longer-term development outcome.

Discussion: Alternative and more participatory approaches for DRR appraisals are suggested which includes participatory serious games that are increasingly being used to raise awareness and identify pragmatic strategies for change that are needed to bring about successful uptake of DRR investment and implementation of DRR mainstreaming.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Partial funding support by Zurich Insurance for work conducted as part of the Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance is gratefully acknowledged.
Research Programs: Risk & Resilience (RISK)
Risk, Policy and Vulnerability (RPV)
Depositing User: Michaela Rossini
Date Deposited: 27 Jun 2016 12:28
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2021 17:27
URI: https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/13320

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item